Using Maps and Technology to Increase Report Readability

Guzi-West is pushing the envelope to develop new ways of presenting the information we capture from our assessments.

Thanks in part to our increasing GIS Resources, we can take our reports a step further, creating detailed maps to show investigation data in a visual format. Presenting information as a map simplifies readability. The specifications of an investigation can determine what type of map is a good fit. 

Learn more here!

Contact Guzi-West today to discuss creating maps to show the data in a visual format for your next project in the Northern California area.

Redding: (888) 351-8189

Arcata/Eureka (North Coast): (707) 388-3008

Guzi-West Performs Detailed Mold Investigations

Guzi-west conducts detailed mold investigations using state of the art technology to discover the presence of mold and quantify the severity of a problem. Throughout the inspection, data is generated, including atmospheric readings, moisture readings, infrared imagery, and sample attributes. After an investigation, that information is condensed into a formal report to outline our findings. 

Learn more here!

Contact Guzi-West today to discuss creating maps to show the data in a visual format for your next project in the Northern California area.

Redding: (888) 351-8189

Arcata/Eureka (North Coast): (707) 388-3008

Coronavirus Surface Disinfection

With the recent pandemic, there are a few different types of tests and technologies for surfaces and buildings being marketed regarding the verification of disinfection for the coronavirus.  Guzi-West staff are currently evaluating these, however at this time don’t feel that the available tests can absolutely determine the total disinfection of the virus from any given surface.

Any test method to determine complete disinfection of the virus needs to be evaluated carefully.  Will the test method directly measure the presence of the coronavirus? Will the test be measuring for simple proteins which may be already present in the environment?  Will it be measuring for DNA or RNA sequences that may relate to the virus, and can it differentiate between a live sample and dead sample that has been deactivated by sanitation? The best testing methods will actually culture and grow organisms from the surfaces and can determine if potential virus particles have been fully disinfected.

Learn more here!

Contact us today to discuss the current status of  disinfection verification options for COVID-19  for your home or business in the areas of Arcata, McKinleyville, Eureka, Chico, and Redding. (888) 351-8189

Causes & Lifespan of Black Mold

Black mold can appear in a variety of ways. Warm conditions are usually needed to start it growing. Outside, it can grow on soil, plant debris, and other materials that are high in cellulose and low in nitrogen (common building materials). Inside, it starts in hidden damp spots, often caused by water leaks above ceilings, inside walls, and under floors.

Black Mold needs about a week with wet material to start growing. It can grow significantly over a span of 8-12 days. It is critical to take care of the mold as soon as you find it to avoid further growth and possible toxic exposure.

Read more here!

Toxicity & Health Effects of Black Mold

Black mold is often called toxic, which is technically inaccurate. The mold itself is not toxic, but it releases toxins into the air which can be harmful. If these toxins are inhaled, it can result in serious health effects. To make things worse, mold is often hidden. People often have no idea that they’ve been exposed to black mold. If you think you may have inhaled black mold toxins, please see a doctor as soon as possible. Be aware of and look out for these symptoms of exposure:

• Skin inflammation
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Respiratory problems
• Hemorrhage
• Damaged internal organs
• Mental impairment
• Suppressed immune system

Read more here!

Symptoms of Valley Fever

The symptoms of Valley Fever closely resemble symptoms of the flu. They include fever, chills, cough, chest pain, headache, joint aches, night sweats, fatigue, and red spotty rashes. Because of the similarity to the flu, Valley Fever is often delayed in diagnosis or completely misdiagnosed. Knowing what to look for will lower your chances. People most at risk are those over 60, African Americans, and Filipinos.

Learn more about Valley Fever here!

What is Valley Fever?

Valley Fever is a respiratory infection that arises from fungus in soil. When the soil is overturned­­, fungi spores are released into the air. They can then be inhaled. The most common cases are in the soil heavy regions.
In 2017, Valley Fever’s infection rate was the highest it has ever been in California. The reason is unknown but some have linked it to climate change, which has caused droughts and drier weather.

Learn more about Valley Fever here!

Containment of Mold

When mold is identified, it needs to be contained. It’s important that the mold doesn’t spread, whatever type of mold it may be. This is done using various procedures. One example is the use of negative air chambers. These are barriers that confine the affected area and create negative air pressure to stop the spread of mold spores. 

Learn more here!

Mold Inspection & Assessment of Mold Damage

Mold isn’t always obvious, especially since it can be completely invisible to the human eye. This is where a professional mold inspection is most useful. An inspection company will thoroughly scope your property with tools that will detect mold even in hidden areas. When mold spots are found, there will be an assessment and documentation of the risk and the damage done to surrounding materials.

Learn more here!

Does Mold Only Grow In Moist or Wet Environments?

Mold needs initial moisture to start growing, but it can keep growing even if the area dries up. It can do this because many forms of mold can pull moisture from the air around them. For some forms of mold to start growing, you don’t even have to have water damage in your home; mold is always present, so when there is any amount of moisture for the spores to use, they will take that chance to begin growing. 

Learn more here!

Black Mold Misconceptions

Black mold is a term that is widely used. Many people think that mold isn’t dangerous unless it’s black mold. This isn’t true at all. Relying on the color of the mold to determine how toxic it is to your health is not a wise course of action. Many types of mold can release harmful toxins into the air.

While technically, these molds are not “toxic,” they are “toxigenic,” meaning they release spores into the air, which creates unhealthy air quality conditions. If you find any type of mold in your home or office, you should contact a professional mold inspection company.

Learn more here!

Hazards & Health Effects of Mold

When you’re exposed to mold, it’s important that you’re careful. There are a variety of health effects and hazards you could be exposed to. The severity greatly depends on the type, which is why it’s very important to have professional mold testing before you attempt any remediation. Also, everyone will react differently depending on the person and the class of mold. Here’s a list of health effects that could follow mold exposure:

-          Mold-related infections

-          Respiratory conditions

-          Developed mold sensitivity, causing:

-          Sore throat, headaches, skin irritation, watering/dry/sore eyes, coughing/sneezing/wheezing, chest and nasal congestion

-          Severe and chronic conditions

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, there’s a chance that you’ve been exposed to mold. It’s important to call a doctor about the health effects and to call a mold testing company to find the cause.

Learn more here!

Species of Mold

There are a few hundred thousand types of mold in existence. We can’t list nearly that many, but here are the top four most common species:

      1)  Aspergillus/Penicillium – blue/yellow/green, fuzzy appearance with musty smell (common cause of allergies) that’s often found on decaying fabric, wallpaper, and carpets with water damage

      2)  Alternaria – black, velvet/fuzzy appearance that’s often found in damp areas such as under sinks or after water damage and flooding

      3)  Cladosporium – olive-green, brown, or black appearance (common cause of a fever or asthma symptoms) that’s often found mostly outdoors on porous surfaces like wood and textile, but also found indoors

      4)  Stachybotrys – greenish-black, gelatinous wet, dry, or powdery appearance with distinctive musty odor that is extremely harmful to humans (also known as “toxic black mold”)

These are just five out of thousands of different mold types—but they are types you’ll most likely encounter in your everyday life. Each type will fall under one of these three categories:

      1)  Allergenic – causes allergies & allergic reactions

      2)  Pathogenic – causes health problems for those already suffering from illness

      3)  Toxigenic – also known as “toxic mold,” these varieties can lead to dangerous or even deadly health conditions

If you discover mold on your property, we recommend that you find a professional who is experienced in mold testing to help you determine the dangers and the next steps you may need to take.

Learn more here!